Frobisher, Sir Martin (1535?–1595), an English sailor and explorer. While searching for a northwest passage to Asia in 1576 he discovered Frobisher Bay, an inlet of Baffin Island north of Labrador. Frobisher thought, he had found gold and visited Baffin Island again in 1577 and 1578, but the ore proved worthless. Frobisher was a vice admiral under Hawkins and Drake in expeditions against Spain. He served with distinction against the Spanish Armada in 1588, and was knighted.